Armstrong County, Pennsylvania

Survey Area PA005• Pennsylvania

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Gilpin-Weikert channery silt loams, 25 to 70 percent slopes	112K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Weikert channery silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes	39K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ernest silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	30K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ernest silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	18K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rayne-Gilpin channery silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wharton silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bethesda very channery silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wharton-Gilpin silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bethesda very channery silt loam, 25 to 75 percent slopes, very stony	9K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cavode silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	8K			Not rated	Not rated
Bethesda very channery silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very stony	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rayne-Gilpin channery silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Weikert channery silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wharton-Gilpin silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cavode silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Weikert channery silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wharton silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ernest silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.